Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) has awarded the construction contract for 32 affordable townhouses to the construction and contracting firm HEIN.
The 32 townhomes, which will front Booth St., are part of phase two of the Mosaïq Ottawa development that will provide a total of 273 affordable homes once complete.
The entire phase two development will cover the northern 2.7 acres of a block bounded by Gladstone, Rochester, Booth and Raymond. The townhouses along Booth are supplemented by mid-rise residential development along Gladstone and Rochester. The 273 homes will be dispersed amongst five buildings.
“We are dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of construction, with a strong focus on safety, attention to detail, and timely project delivery,” Steve Donley, vice president and project manager at HEIN, said in a press release. “The additional development of the Mosaïq Ottawa townhomes provides us with another opportunity to uphold these values and contribute to the well-being of the community.”
Combined with phase one, the total number of affordable homes built will equal 413. The project aims to provide this necessary housing for a growing number of Ottawa residents. Year-over-year, rent increased one per cent in Ottawa in 2024, according to a report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation. Average rent in the city is $2,200, ranging from $1,722 for a studio apartment to $2.813 for a three bedroom. Currently Ottawa is 13th on a list of most expensive cities to live in Canada.
Along with affordability, Mosaïq Ottawa will also break ground for environmentally sustainable housing. The second phase will utilize a geothermal well system to provide renewable and energy-efficient heating and cooling. Solar panels will also be installed on the rooftops of buildings.
The residential units will be supplemented with commercial rentals and community services, creating a complete community.
Phase two construction is underway and expected to be completed in 2026.
